Navarro County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Cedar Hill, TX to Houston, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 19m
Distance
244.4 mi
393 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 6m
★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 46m
10 AM
4h 29m
12 PM
4h 26m
3 PM
4h 30m
5 PM
4h 45m
8 PM
4h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cedar Hill, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Houston, TX
Trace Hudson
Trip Overview
Cedar Hill, TX to Houston, TX is 244.4 miles and takes about 4h 19m via Julius Schepps Freeway, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Texas, traversing the Great Plains region for its entirety. Expect a straightforward, mostly highway drive that's well-suited for a single-day excursion. Given the relatively short duration, you'll have plenty of flexibility for departure times and stops.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122.2 miles from Cedar Hill, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Schepps Freeway | 227.2 mi | 3h 57m |
| Lyndon B Johnson Freeway | 8.7 mi | 9m |
| West S G Alexander Freeway | 2.7 mi | 2m |
| North J Elmer Weaver Freeway | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| West Belt Line Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Marvin D Love Freeway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Milam Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| North Highway 67 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Julius Schepps Freeway
— 227.2 mi, about 3h 57m
Traffic on I-45
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,315 veh/hr typical · worst 3,925
Quietest
2 AM
~414 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 48 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Hill, TX and Houston, TX.
1
Start on Cedar Street
75 ft
·
4 sec
·
Cedar Street
2
Turn right onto Houston Street
425 ft
·
14 sec
·
Houston Street
3
Turn right onto West Belt Line Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Belt Line Road
4
Turn left onto North Highway 67
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
North Highway 67
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward US 67 North
Use the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto US 67
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North J Elmer Weaver Freeway
7
Continue on US 67
2.7 mi
·
2 min
·
West S G Alexander Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 67
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Marvin D Love Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 20 East: Shreveport
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 20
8.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Lyndon B Johnson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 473C
Toward I 45 South: Houston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 45
227 mi
·
3 hr 57 min
·
Julius Schepps Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 45
271 ft
·
3 sec
·
Gulf Freeway
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Milam Street
Use the slight left lane.
16
Continue on Milam Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Milam Street
17
Turn right onto Prairie Street
328 ft
·
13 sec
·
Prairie Street
18
Turn right onto Louisiana Street
516 ft
·
16 sec
·
Louisiana Street
19
Arrive at destination
Louisiana Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Cedar Hill to avoid potential traffic as you approach Houston. With just one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $37, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Plan for a brief stop around the halfway mark to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, though the longest stretch on Julius Schepps Freeway is quite substantial. The high highway percentage means you'll want to ensure your vehicle is in good condition for sustained travel.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122.2 miles from Cedar Hill, TX, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 227.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 54 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.2 miles or 2h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Houston, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cedar Hill, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Cedar Hill, TX
This is one driving day of about 244.4 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Cedar Hill, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Julius Schepps Freeway for about 227.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
122 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122.2 miles from Cedar Hill, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Julius Schepps Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 227.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Navarro County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
TA Express
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Walker County Northbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA Express
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.4 mi from route
Downtown Aquarium
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+17132233474
Visit websiteUnion Station
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Houston, Texas
+17132598070
Visit websiteCidercade Houston
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+13462417524
Visit websiteBarbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17137520314
Visit websiteMidtown Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+17135267577
Visit websiteWaugh Drive Bat Colony
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17137520314
Visit websiteChildren's Museum Houston
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+17135221138
Visit websiteHouston Zoo
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Houston, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+17135336500
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 243.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Houston Street
Turn right onto Houston Street
Navigation decision point
6
6.5 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East: Shreveport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 20 East: Shreveport
7
15.6 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Take the exit toward I 45 South: Houston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 473C
Toward I 45 South: Houston
7
243.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 10 East: Beaumont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 48A
Toward I 10 East: Beaumont
7
243.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Milam Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Milam Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.48 one way
$66.95 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $37.39 | $74.78 |
| premium | $4.23 | $40.65 | $81.31 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $46.15 | $92.29 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.3 | 0 | $25.66 | $11.73 |
| Efficient EV | 61.1 | 0 | $21.39 | $9.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.8 | 1 | $34.22 | $15.64 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Cedar Hill, TX
Afternoon in Cedar Hill on Monday
Local time
1:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
SSW 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:07AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:59AM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Houston, TX
Afternoon in Houston on Monday
Local time
1:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Partly Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:07AM CDT until July 18 at 11:15AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 7:59AM CDT until July 20 at 3:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 19m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 99% of the total 244.4 miles on high-speed roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 227.2 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway before encountering any surface roads. The extensive highway share means you'll encounter consistent traffic flow and numerous exits typical of major interstates.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 227.2 mi on Julius Schepps Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Julius Schepps Freeway and Lyndon B Johnson Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Houston Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 244.4 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Houston Street): Navigation decision point; at 6.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
829 ft
35 ft
Total Climb
268 ft
Total Descent
1,063 ft
Highest Point
829 ft
Elevation Range
794 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Cedar Hill, TX
Full guide →Founded 1846
Arriving in Houston, TX
Full guide →“Space City” · Founded 1836
Houston is a sprawling port city in Southeastern Texas. An oil boom and continuing international immigration has brought explosive growth to the city, and it is now the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most diverse large city since 2021. While at first glance, the city appears to be a 9-5 central business district surrounded by a sea of suburbs and strip malls, there are many hidden gems to be discovered. === Welcome World Cup fans === Games will be played at NRG Stadium on the south side of Houston The best way to get to the stadium on game day is to use MetroRail trains (red line to NRG Stadium/Astrodome). Fare cards can be purchased at kiosks at train platforms and cost US$1.25 per ride The best hotels for football fans are downtown or near the medical center (both areas have easy access to MetroRail).
Top landmarks
- • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — art museum in Houston, Texas
- • Astrodome — historic place in Houston, Harris County, Texas
- • Rothko Chapel — building in Houston, Harris County, Texas
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 244.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 227.2 miles on Julius Schepps Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 28 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Houston, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Houston Street): Navigation decision point; at 6.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Houston, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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